#MyFertilityMatters: Lincoln woman challenges IVF rules denying stepparents NHS treatment
Sarah Barker shares her heart-breaking story for the very first time
Last updated 6th Jul 2021
EXCLUSIVE: A Lincoln woman who's been denied IVF treatment on the NHS has called for an end to the fertility postcode lottery for women in the UK.
Sarah Barker was told she couldn't access treatment to help her conceive because her partner already has a daughter from another relationship.
Speaking publicly for the first time, she's been sharing the heartache it's caused, and is demanding change.
It’s prompted her to launch a petition - #MyFertilityMatters
"Time isn't on my side"
"I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong.
"If anything, I’ve sacrificed a lot of my life to help support my partner in partially raising his child with him and with her mum and stepdad.
"I’m already being betrayed by my own body, why should I be betrayed by the local CCGs that are basically enforcing this?"
"It's almost as if I'm being punished"
"It's almost like you're grieving a child you've not had yet.
"I'm not having that opportunity to be able to be a mum and it's that craving you have, that heartache and longing for a baby.
"I was being told 5 years ago that I'm still young, don't worry about it.
"Nothing has changed over that time.
"I still haven't become pregnant, I still haven't had a baby, I still haven't had that opportunity.
"Time isn't on my side now."
WATCH: Sarah shares the moment she was told she'd be refused treatment.
Lincolnshire CCG says it can't comment on individual cases.
"The IVF policy agreed across the East Midland CCGs, and adopted by NHS Lincolnshire CCG, applies to any couple registered with a Lincolnshire GP and is available on our website.
"It sets out the eligibility criteria, which includes family structure, that applies irrespective of where patients have their treatment, and has been drawn up based on guidance issued by DHSC, Infertility Network UK and NICE Guidance CG156."